Report: Kings' Fox enters COVID-19 health and safety protocols

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The Kings' season has not gone as planned. Just as Sacramento prepared to welcome back Richaun Holmes and possibly Marvin Bagley, the Kings were dealt a late blow Friday night.

De'Aaron Fox, the Kings' leading scorer, has entered the league's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick reported Friday. Fox is expected to miss "at least" 10 to 14 days.

Fox is having a breakout fourth NBA season, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for Sacramento. He's playing a career-high 35 minutes per game for coach Luke Walton and has missed just one game on the season.

Fix could miss a minimum of five games during the Kings' compressed schedule, but the number could jump up from there.

Replacing Fox’s production is nearly impossible for the Kings, but rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton is likely to slide into the starting lineup in his place. Veteran Delon Wright should pick up some additional minutes at point guard.

RELATED: What does Bagley's Kings future look like after return?

The Kings entered Friday five games behind Warriors for the 10th spot in the Western Conference, the last play-in spot. Losing Fox deals a huge blow to any lingering chances the Kings had in sneaking into the postseason.

Sacramento has been one of the few teams not to have players miss major time to health and safety protocols this season. Hassan Whiteside and former King Jabari Parker missed time in February, but the team has done a solid job of staying safe.

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